Cameraman’s Point of View Footage Shows What It’s Like to Almost Be Eaten by a Polar Bear

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A BBC cameraman was in the wild documenting a hungry polar bear’s eating habits when the animal diverted away from a seal’s hole toward the cameraman’s enclosed cart instead.

Although unfortunate to not witness the bear seeking out its natural prey– something we’ve all probably seen on a nature documentary — Gordon Buchanan was able to capture more unique footage. The bear saunters up to the cart where Buchanan is filming and he becomes increasingly nervous and excited.

“She’s enormous,” he said. “Gee whiz.”

(Image: YouTube screenshot)

(Image: YouTube screenshot)

Buchanan goes on to talk about how he has waited for this opportunity to see such animals up close. His encounter might have gotten as close as he might ever want it to though.

“The bear’s nose is thousands more powerful than mine. It’s gathering information before it approaches, like it would when stalking a seal.”

(Image: YouTube screenshot)

As the bear tests the door, Buchanan rechecks the lock. The animal proceeds to rock the enclosed cart as it tries to get in. The attack continued for 45 minutes, according to the video’s description.

(Image: YouTube screenshot)

Watch this brief clip of the encounter:

More of the footage will be featured on BBC Two in “The Polar Bear Family & Me” on January 7.